Tamarix A Case Study of Ecological Change in the American West

Few plant species have had as much combined scientific, public, and political attention as exotic Tamarix spp (tamarisk, saltcedar), attracting the public eye in the early 2000's when widespread drought in the West corresponded to assertions that the introduced tree used as much water as whole cities. This edited volume contains 24 essays by 44 authors on the hybrid swarm that represents invasive tamarisk, including its biology, ecology, politics, history, management, and even the philosophical and ethical issues involved with designating a particular species as "good" or "bad". These works reflect the controversy that has arisen around its role in our ecosystems and what should (or should not) be done about it, particularly in the context of the release of a biological control agent. This is the first text to examine these many facets of this interesting plant with an engaging and sometimes surprising collection of written works from the most important researchers in the field, representing the full spectrum of scientific perspectives.

Anna Sher has been investigating the ecology of tamarisk trees since 1993 and on two continents. She is a biology professor at the University of Denver, where her lab is currently focused on restoration of riparian ecosystems and plant communities that arise after the removal of Tamarix.

Martin F. Quigley is a plant ecologist and licensed landscape architect. He is the Kurtz Professor of Botany at the University of Denver, where he teaches Conservation Biology, Ethnobotany, Ecology, and Restoration Ecology.